I was glad to see your front page coverage of the protest walkies against the proposal to impose a blanket ban on dogs on all Brighton and Hove beaches in the summer months (The Argus, March 3).

I understand there is to be another mass dog walk from Kemp Town on Saturday.

However, there is more to the council's proposals than a beach ban.

For example, we are not to be allowed to walk our dogs off the lead on the undercliff walk. The proposed £80 on-the-spot fines are just another stealth tax.

Yet again the responsible majority are to be inconvenienced because of the wrongdoings of the irresponsible minority.

This is not only undemocratic, it is anti-democratic, and I was heartened to see on page 10 of the same issue a letter bewailing the undemocratic way the council is evolving.

How many advertisements over the years have shown lawabiding couples walking their golden retriever along the beach against a background of the setting sun?

If there is to be nowhere in Brighton and Hove that one can walk a dog on the beach in the summer, we can no longer say that an Englishman's home is his castle.

  • John Flood-Paddock, Freshfield Road Brighton

I LIVE near the seafront in Hove and between May and September dogs are allowed on certain areas of the beach.

It is the irresponsible few that ruin it for all by ignoring the notices and letting their dogs run riot on all the beaches and not clearing up the mess they leave behind.

Last summer I saw many owners just walk off after their dogs had defecated. This is not only unpleasant but also unhealthy for anyone who comes in contact with the mess, especially children. Also, a number of dog owners ignored the restricted areas and let their dogs run around intimidating and hassling people.

No one wants to go to the beach and risk sitting in a pile of dog mess.

If dog owners wish to use the beaches in Brighton and Hove they must clear up any mess made by their dogs and keep them under control or expect a heavy fine.

  • Ray Farrow, St Aubyns Hove